Posts tagged as 'toys'
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DiNOSEsaurs for Comic Relief
11/02/13
UK agency TADO have unveiled their 'nose' designs for UK charity event Comic Relief. TADO are reknowned for creating a cheerful world of cute (and sometimes quite dark) characters. They have previously worked with the likes of Kidrobot, MTV, Nike and Star Wars.
Comic Relief's mission is to "..drive positive change through the power of entertainment." The charity encourages people to gain sponsorship for acts of entertainment or to purchase and wear a red nose on the day with all profits going to the charity. This year's Red Nose Day takes place on the 15th March.
Ben Lavender, UK office
In a Barbie World
27/01/12
We all know her name. We know her boyfriend. Songs have been dedicated to her. Movies have been made. We even know her favorite color.
Barbie. Released in 1959, the doll changed playtime as girls knew it. She hit the scene hard with her golden blonde locks, black and white swimsuit and impossible-to-achieve bodily proportions.
Since her debut, Barbie’s design has been a reflection of the world around us. When she started, her job was basically to look good. However, throughout the years, Barbie has been a nurse, a teacher, gone to college, served as an Army Ranger and landed on the moon. Barbie has also changed physically. She no longer sports the “cat eye” makeup. She’s gotten a tan and grown a little taller. Her boyfriend Ken has bulked up and has much better hair.
Although the first African American Barbie doll seems to be an issue of some dispute (was it Francie or Christie?), the release corresponds to the end of the Civil Rights Movement in America. In the mid-to late-70s, with the growing popularity of broad-shouldered athletic-bodied models, Barbie won an Olympic Gold Medal. In the 80s, Madonna and Pat Benatar became rock stars…and so did Barbie along with “The Rockers.”
The world has seen some imitators. In 1991 an independent company released “Happy to Be Me” dolls, which were shaped more like the average woman. The dolls had shorter legs and larger feet, as well as proportions of 36-27-38 (Barbie's proportions would be 36-18-33). It turns out little girls however rather enjoy Barbie’s fantasy world, and the Happy to Be Me dolls didn’t last.
There was one time when Barbie’s world should not have followed that which lay beyond the pink plastic windows of her dream house…In 2002, when a pregnant Midge (Barbie’s best friend) doll hit shelves, parents expressed displeasure after fielding the dreaded "Where do babies come from?" question and the doll was pulled from shelves.
More recently, on the heels of the growing popularity of the supernatural with the Twilight books and movie series, and television shows such as “True Blood,” Mattel™ released its Monster High Dolls. The dolls are dressed in a more Gothic style, with some having fangs and green skin. Although the dolls somewhat resemble Barbie, they do not hold her name (What would Ken, Midge and Skipper think about her far-out fashion choices?).
Since 1959, Barbie has completely broken the mold. Her friends and she are now available in a variety of ethnicities, with varying hair colors and textures, and holding all sorts of occupations. Super model Barbie is very tall and skinny, while Ken has a gotten a little “prettier,” much like many male celebrities today.
Let’s face it. Barbie is the trendiest girl around. The design of her clothes, hair, occupation – even her boyfriend – is a reflection of the world around us.
Courtney Cavanaugh, US office
See Steve Jobs in action again...
04/01/12
...as an action figure!!
As Apple users, buyers, lovers at Equator, we recently paid tribute to the late Steve Jobs. More recently we’ve realised our love of Apple products can move from computers and gadgets to action figures! Steve Jobs is back in action figure form in is trademark turtle neck sweatshirt, blue jeans and two apples (one bitten, one not). As always, Apple products don’t come cheap... You can order your very own Steve Jobs action figure for $109.99 USD.
Order yours here, but be quick. Apple are well known for stopping unlicensed products before they hit the shelves.
Anna Takarangi, UK office
Update (19th January, 2012):
As predicted, Apple are looking to stop production of these. Read full story here.
US and UK Toy Fairs 2011
02/03/11
Equator was delighted to be invited by clients to attend both the recent UK and US Toy Fairs. In the UK we had helped TOMY with producing their Tomica stand, so it was good to see the results of our hard work. In the US Duffy and Katy took time out from their busy schedules and gave up a weekend to visit the show in New York and meet some potentially exciting new clients. And I'm sure their kids will now have a much longer Christmas list for Santa!